About Us
Now more than ever our community needs a Christ-centered, tuition-free school. With your help we can reach our goals.
WE BELIEVE
Our historical American values stem from the Biblical World View.
A rigorous academic foundation is key to a child’s future success. Therefore…
Christian education should be available to as many children as possible.
Together we can teach truth, the value of serving others, and transform lives.
faculty
Dr. Erik D. Hanson, Administrator
Dr. Hanson also ministers as the Assistant Pastor at Stanfordville Baptist Church in Hallstead, Pennsylvania. Further, he has over six years of experience as an Academic Dean, seventeen years as a pastor, and thirty years as a church musician. He holds numerous academic degrees, including a bachelor’s and master’s degree in piano performance, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leadership. He and his wife, Bethany, have been married for 16 years and enjoy ministering together both in church ministry and by providing sacred music at churches across the country. Further, Dr. Hanson has served as a conference and workshop speaker. He has contributed articles to Foundations Baptist Fellowship International’s (FBFI) Frontline magazine and its blog, Proclaim and Defend. Previously, Dr. Hanson served on the board of Wayne County Child & Youth and as a volunteer chaplain at the Wayne County Correctional facilities. In addition, he has taught over 100 piano and voice students for over twenty-two years, composes music, and has publications with Lorenz, Choristers Guild, and Grace For All.
Abby Banks, Teacher
Abby joins Hope Community Academy with a Pennsylvania teaching certification and a lifetime of experience nurturing young learners. After starting her career as a classroom teacher, Abby spent years homeschooling her own five children and running a piano studio. These experiences taught her that every child is unique, and she loves tailoring her teaching to fit each student’s individual needs.
Abby and her husband, John, are also gearing up for an exciting new role: first-time grandparents, any day now! She’s thrilled to bring her passion for hands-on and individualized learning to her kindergarten classroom this year.
Gavin Blake, Teacher
It is my privilege to join the staff of Hope Community Academy as the 1st grade teacher. For the past two years, I have taught a wide range of students (K–12) as a substitute teacher in the Wayne Highlands School District, where I also currently serve as a middle school football coach. I hold a Pennsylvania teaching certificate and am excited to bring my experience and passion for teaching to Hope Community Academy.
I attended Liberty University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministries and later a Master of Arts in Teaching. While at Liberty, I came to know Jesus as my Savior and developed a biblical worldview that continues to shape how I live and teach. I look forward to helping students recognize God’s greatness and the unique gifts He has given each of us to serve Him.
I am blessed with a wonderful wife and daughter, and I enjoy time spent with my family. In my free time, I like being outdoors, fishing, reading, and attending sporting events. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Hope Community Academy community and look forward to getting to know my students and their families.
board of directors
Joe Davis, Sr., Chairman of the Board
Education:
- Damascus High School graduate – 1964
Experience:
37 + years printing industry
- Press Helper 11 years, Journeymen pressman 7 years,
Various Management Positions 8 years - Plant Manager Moore Honesdale, PA 1998 – 1999 &
Moore Angola, IN 1999 – 2001 - Director of Quality Moore Corp. Chicago, IL 2001 – 2003
- Corp. V.P. Chicago, IL Moore – 2003, Moore/Wallace 2003 – 2004,
RRD 2004 – 2007
Nicholas A. Barna, Esq.,
Vice Chairman of the Board
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts from Wilkes University
- Juris Doctorate Degree (Law) from the University of North Dakota
Experience:
- Former District Attorney
- Practicing Attorney for 50 years
- Taught Bible, helped with yearbook, started and coached basketball at
Damascus Christian Academy for 15 years +
Pastor Lane Jones, Secretary
Education:
- Bachelor of Religious Education in Pastoral Studies from
Tennessee Temple University - Master of Ministry Degree from Bob Jones University
Experience:
- Taught Math and Science at North Pocono Christian Academy
for 11 years - Pastor at Wimmer’s Bible Fellowship Church 1985- 1986
- Pastor of Calkins Baptist Church 1996 – present
Bob Longnecker, Member
Education:
- Graduated with honors from Elizabethtown Area High School 1973
- Graduated magna cum laude from Hyles-Anderson College with B.S. Pastoral Theology 1982
- Graduated from Hyles-Anderson College with a M. Ed. In Christian School Administration 1982
Experience:
- Served as a monitor in Kreamer Christian Academy, an ACE School,
From Sept. 1973 – Dec. 1978 - After graduating from College, I served as a Supervisor at KCA for 3 years
- Director of Wayne-Pike CEF for 33 years from Sept. 1990 – 2023
Nehemiah Jones, Member
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from
Bob Jones University – 2018
Experience:
- Cybersecurity Consultant 2018-2020
- Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity Senior Consultant 2020-Present
- Served as a summer missionary for CEF of
North Eastern PA for 4 summers
John Heminghous, Member
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Bob Jones University – 2004
- Master of Science in Computer Science from Clemson University – 2006
- Software Engineer in US federal contracting and commercial markets with focuses in image processing, healthcare, and cyber security
- Instructor of computer science at university and high school levels
- Visiting lecturer of theology at university level (international)
- Held past roles of president, vice president, and treasurer of multiple board managed non-profit organizations
- Conducted multiple financial audits of non-profit organizations
Carley Bates, Member
Education:
- Bachelor of Science from Pensacola Christian College – 2017
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University – 2019
- Advanced Diploma in Biblical Studies from Faith Bible Institute – 2022
- Urgent Care Physicians Assistant
- Youth group leader and teen girls Sunday school teacher
- Mom of two young boys
Brian Bates, Emeritus Member
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Bob Jones University
- Middle School Add-on Certification
- TESL Level 1 Certification
- CELTA graduate from Cambridge English Program
Experience:
- Various Schools in China – English Teacher – 2 years
- Horizon Japan International School – Elementary Homeroom Teacher – 3 years
- Hope International Academy Okinawa
- Elementary/Middle School Homeroom Teacher – 2 years
- School Principal – 2018 – present
Minister Tony Barrera, Emeritus Member
Education:
- Rockbridge Seminary Master of Divinity – August 2019 – 2024
- State University of New York at Buffalo B.A. History
Experience:
- Public Relations and Admissions Kyoto International University
– KIU Academy April 2005 – Present – Kyoto, Japan - Minister, Kyoto Christian Fellowship Center – Oct. 2008 – Present
– Kyoto, Japan - Senior Manager, NCB English Language Institute
Nov. 1985 – Mar. 2005 – Nation-wide, Japan
support staff
Mandy Heminghous, Board Secretary
Hi! I’m Amanda, but I normally go by Mandy. I grew up in Milanville, Pennsylvania. I was raised in a Christian home, and I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior at the age of 15 after attending a revival meeting at Calkins Baptist Church. Following high school, I earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. It was there that I met my now-husband, John. We were married soon after I graduated from college. Ten days later, we moved to Melbourne, Florida where we would be for the next twelve and a half years. During that time, I had the privilege of teaching at a couple of Christian schools. I also tutored students in reading, spelling, and math.
John and I moved back to Pennsylvania in 2018. We attend Calkins Baptist Church where I teach the 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School class; John and I have the privilege of working with the youth group.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, baking, gardening, reading, and playing board games.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 41:13.
Jennifer Warner, Treasurer
Education:
- Master of Science in Education from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania – in progress
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania – 1997
Experience:
- Care Manager at Wayne County Area Agency on Aging
- Conducted multiple financial audits of non-profit organizations
- Multiple roles in education including teaching, tutoring, and management
